Squarespace, a popular website building platform, is set to increase its prices by up to 26%, causing a stir among its users, particularly photographers, designers, and visual artists. Reports of the impending price hikes have emerged as users receive emails detailing the changes, which vary depending on their chosen plan and payment options.
The topic has gained significant attention on social media platforms like Threads, where users are discussing their concerns and exploring alternative website services. Filmmaker Mike Reda expressed his decision to leave Squarespace due to the “ridiculous pricing increase” and is seeking recommendations for a new platform to host his film and video work. Photographer Stephen Broome echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the difficulty of justifying the cost and expressing the need for a more affordable yet customizable solution. Meanwhile, Ryan Neeven, another photographer, is on the lookout for viable website hosting options other than Squarespace and Wix.
These individual reactions are part of a larger conversation happening online as many Squarespace users reassess their options. The platform has long been favored by the photography community, with many photographers having been introduced to it through influencer-style marketing, including discounts and promotional links via popular photography YouTube channels.
As prices rise across various industries due to factors such as inflation, tariffs, and corporate motives, the increase in Squarespace’s fees adds to the frustration of many who already feel burdened by escalating costs. The announcement follows Squarespace’s transition to a private company in October 2024, after Permira, a private equity firm, acquired it for $7.2 billion. Historically, private equity-owned companies in the photo industry have been known to raise prices as a strategy to boost revenue and satisfy investors.
Details on the exact pricing changes have been communicated to customers through email rather than an official public memo. However, archived webpages reveal how Squarespace’s pricing structure for July 17, 2026, shows shifts in their plans. The Basic plan, aimed at customers needing a simple custom website, will increase from $16 to $19 per month, reflecting a 19% rise when paid annually. The Core plan, offering features like website analytics, customization, and e-commerce tools, will see a 26% rise from $23 to $29 per month. The Plus plan will also experience a 26% increase, moving from $39 to $49 monthly. Meanwhile, the Advanced plan remains unchanged at $99 per month.
For users on monthly payment options, the Basic and Advanced plans remain stable, while the Core plan will increase by 8% from $36 to $39, and the Plus tier will jump 16% from $56 to $65. The diversity in user experiences and previously applied discounts complicates the conversation around these price increases, as some users may face more significant jumps based on their initial discounted rates.
Many users feel the price hikes are unjustified, especially as Squarespace introduces new AI tools that some customers did not request and find unnecessary. This sentiment was echoed by a Reddit user, CheesecakeOdd3075, who reported a 61% increase in their Squarespace costs since 2021. They expressed frustration over paying for features, like AI, that they do not use or need, and are considering moving to self-hosting.
Despite the backlash, Squarespace has introduced a new suite of tools for businesses interested in selling limited releases. While this feature may appeal to photographers selling limited-edition prints, it may not justify the price increase for all users.
With the variety of website building options available, such as Format, Smugmug, Zenfolio, and Wix, Squarespace users have several alternatives offering similar templates, tools, and custom domain options to consider. PetaPixel reached out to Squarespace for a comment but had not received a response before publication.
